Day 3

Looking for Alaska Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

1

At one point, Alaska calls Lara's inclusion in the prank "a gift to Pudge." Does this wording conflict with Alaska's stated beliefs about the objectification of women?

(5-7 minutes)

Alaska is firmly opposed to objectifying language as used by Pudge and the Colonel, but she objectifies Lara by calling her a "gift". (As if Lara isn't choosing to be there, or lacks agency in the situation.) Some students may feel this is a purposeful illustration of Alaska's lack of self-awareness, while some might feel it shows her embracing attitudes she doesn't really ascribe to in order to impress her male friends. Some students may also disagree with this interpretation of the word in context --...